Patent GB-677861-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in the suspension of the engine units and axle aggregates of motor vehicles
IPC: B60K5/12
Filed: 1950-07-31
Abstract: 677,861. Motor vehicles. DAIMLERBENZ AKT.-GES. July 31, 1950 [July 30, 1949], No. 19067/50. Classes 79(iii), 79 (iv) and 79(v) [Also in Group XXXII] In the suspension of an engine unit and axle aggregate comprising a transverse bearer which supports the road wheel guiding and springing means and a part of the engine weight, the bearer being resiliently connected by elastic cushions to each side of the vehicle, the bearer has at least one longitudinally extending part which is secured to the bearer and does not participate in the movement of the wheels, and which is resiliently connected with the vehicle. In the construction shown in Fig. 1, the transverse bearer 4 is secured to chassis frame members 1 with the interposition of resilient elements 5. The engine 22 is supported forwardly by arcuatelyshaped rubber blocks 26 disposed at the apex of an inverted V-shaped bracket 27 on the bearer 4. The engine is supported rearwardly by rubber mountings 25 on a transverse chassis member 3. The engine weight is equally divided between the mountings 25 and 26. Steering linkage 16- 20 and associated gear 15 are mounted on the bearer 4. The steering column 21 may be mounted on the bearer 4, or on the chassis frame or body. In the latter case it is connected to the gear 15 by an elastic coupling. The longitudinally-extending part is constituted by one or (as shown) a pair of torque rods 30 disposed between the support 4 and rubber connections 31 to the chassis frame members 1. In the construction shown in Fig. 4, the member 4 is of channel or box-shaped formation and is secured to each of the members 1 by means of rubber cushions 32, 33 and a cover plate 34. A three-point engine suspension comprises laterally-spaced blocks 43 on the bearer 4 and a rearward single cushion (not shown) on the frame member 3. Brackets 39 rigid with the bearer 4 carry rearwardly-extending upper and lower wheel-suspension links 37, 38. The wheel suspension is provided by a torsion bar 41 connected to the link 37 and disposed within the bearer 4 and connected rigidly thereto at 40. In this construction, the front road wheels are driven by shafts 36 which emanate from a drive housing integral with 'the engine assembly. In this case the torque rods 30 extend forwardly. Two laterally-disposed radiators are mounted on the support 4, one on each side of the engine. In a modified arrangement of mounting between the bearer 4 and the member 1, Fig. 7 (not shown), an L-shaped rubber cushion is employed. The vertical limb of the L is disposed between an upstanding end portion of the bearer 4 and one side of the member 1 which is of hollow rectangular cross-section. Alternatively the cushion may be formed by two separate elements which are horizontally and vertically disposed respectively. In a further modification, Fig. 8 (not shown), rubber cushions stressed in shear, are disposed between the forward and rearward faces of the bearer 4 and respective angle brackets disposed forwardly and rearwardly of the bearer 4 and depending from the member 11. The cushions may be prestressed in compression, by a bolt passing through the brackets cushions and bearer 4. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 9, a cushion 61 between the bearer 4 and member 1, and a further cushion 62, are pre-loaded by a nut and bolt 59, 58. The degree of pre-loading may be limited by a sleeve (not shown). In the construction shown in Figs. 10, 12, the transverse bearer is in the form of a three-armed member 63 secured by resilient mountings 66, 67 to the frame members 1, and at 69 to a transverse frame member 2. Each of the mountings 66, 67 and 69 comprises rubber cushions 72, 73 above and below the bearer 63 and held in compression thereagainst by a nut and conical pin 74 rigid with the frame member 1 or 2. The engine is supported forwardly on the bearer 63 by rubber cushions 75, 76 (which are softer than the mountings 66, 67), and rearwardly to the frame member 3 by similarly disposed cushions 78, 79. The radiator 28 is mounted on the bearer 63 by a resilient mounting 70. The extremities of the two laterally extending arms of the bearer.63 provide abutments for the suspension springs 12. In assembly, the radiator, steering gear, wheel suspensoins &c. may be mounted in position on the bearer which may be moved into position relative to the frame from the front or rear. Alternatively, the frame may be lowered into position on to the bearer, the members 1 being arched if necessary to clear drive shafts, Fig. 6 (not shown). The cushions between the engine and bearer may be softer than those between engine and frame. The bearer, frame members, and suspension links may be of pressed sheet metal. The bearer may be secured to the frame at four points. The invention may also be applied to a rear-engine-and-axle drive unit, and to a vehicle with fourwheel drive.